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Επιστολαί
Δεκατρείς επιστολές του Πλάτωνα, στην πλειονότητά τους γνήσιες, απευθυνόμενες κυρίως σε ηγεμόνες της εποχής με τους οποίους ο φιλόσοφος είχε γνωριμία ή φιλία. Σπουδαία πηγή πληροφοριών για τη ζωή του Πλάτωνα και ιδίως για τα ταξίδια και τη δράση του στην Ιταλία και τη Σικελία. Ανάμεσά τους η περίφημη Ζ΄ Επιστολή, πολιτικός απολογισμός και υποθήκη του Πλάτωνα και ανασκόπηση βασικών αρχών της διδασκαλίας του.
333 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1993
7 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Plato
5,253 books8,659 followersPlato (Greek: Πλάτων), born Aristocles (c. 427 – 348 BC), was an ancient Greek philosopher of the Classical period who is considered a foundational thinker in Western philosophy and an innovator of the written dialogue and dialectic forms. He raised problems for what became all the major areas of both theoretical philosophy and practical philosophy, and was the founder of the Platonic Academy, a philosophical school in Athens where Plato taught the doctrines that would later become known as Platonism.
Plato's most famous contribution is the theory of forms (or ideas), which has been interpreted as advancing a solution to what is now known as the problem of universals. He was decisively influenced by the pre-Socratic thinkers Pythagoras, Heraclitus, and Parmenides, although much of what is known about them is derived from Plato himself.
Along with his teacher Socrates, and Aristotle, his student, Plato is a central figure in the history of philosophy. Plato's entire body of work is believed to have survived intact for over 2,400 years—unlike that of nearly all of his contemporaries. Although their popularity has fluctuated, they have consistently been read and studied through the ages. Through Neoplatonism, he also greatly influenced both Christian and Islamic philosophy. In modern times, Alfred North Whitehead famously said: "the safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato."
Plato's most famous contribution is the theory of forms (or ideas), which has been interpreted as advancing a solution to what is now known as the problem of universals. He was decisively influenced by the pre-Socratic thinkers Pythagoras, Heraclitus, and Parmenides, although much of what is known about them is derived from Plato himself.
Along with his teacher Socrates, and Aristotle, his student, Plato is a central figure in the history of philosophy. Plato's entire body of work is believed to have survived intact for over 2,400 years—unlike that of nearly all of his contemporaries. Although their popularity has fluctuated, they have consistently been read and studied through the ages. Through Neoplatonism, he also greatly influenced both Christian and Islamic philosophy. In modern times, Alfred North Whitehead famously said: "the safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato."
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June 17, 2023
Today, psychology traces its origins to ancient Greece, where philosophers began to explore and discuss human nature and the mind, its perception, and its reality. One of the most important thinkers of this period was Plato, who wrote on a wide variety of subjects in his works, including his collection of letters.
In this essay, Plato's Letters will be explored from a psychological perspective, his contribution to current psychological thought and how his work influenced the theories and practice of psychology will be analyzed.
Plato's Letters are a collection of letters that include real and imagined correspondence between Plato and other thinkers of the time. These letters deal with a variety of topics including politics, philosophy, religion, and education. Although the letters have not been proven authentic by many historians and philosophers, they are still considered important in understanding his philosophy and his contribution to psychology.
Although Plato did not write explicitly about psychology as a discipline, his work covered many topics related to the mind and human behavior. In the work Letters, you can find several ideas related to psychology, specifically in relation to nature, perception and human knowledge.
Plato wrote extensively about human nature and the way human beings interact with the world around them. In his letters, he emphasizes that human nature is fundamentally good and that evil is caused by ignorance or lack of knowledge.
From a psychological perspective, this relates to the concept of human nature as an enigma that psychologists try to figure out. Many current theories of human nature suggest that there is an ongoing tension between the good and evil aspects of the psyche, and that individuals must find a balance between these opposites to achieve happiness and well-being.
Plato held that perception is the source of all knowledge. In his letters, he references the theory of perception from his work The Republic, where he suggests that what we see through our eyes is only a blurry shadow of true reality. He believed that knowledge cannot be acquired through direct experience, but through an abstract idea.
In psychology, this concept is related to reality perception theory, which suggests that our perception of the world is influenced by our past experiences, emotions, and beliefs. Perception is a subjective construction that varies from person to person, which is why it is often difficult to arrive at an objective understanding of reality.
Plato believed that knowledge is fundamental to human happiness and that it can only be achieved through reflection and dialogue. Through his letters, he stresses the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge, and suggests that the ultimate goal of philosophy is to arrive at the truth.
In psychology, this concept is related to implicit knowledge, which is non-conscious knowledge that is acquired through experience and practice. The theory of implicit knowledge suggests that most human knowledge is implicit, which implies that we do not need to be aware of what we know in order to act on it.
In addition, this was one of the first Greek philosophers to address topics related to psychology in a meaningful way. Although he did not write directly on psychology, many of his ideas and theories influenced later psychological thought.
Plato's theory of perception influenced the theory of perception of reality in psychology, which has long been a topic of discussion and study. Modern psychologists have come to the conclusion that perception is a subjective construction that is influenced by our experience, so it is often difficult to come to an objective understanding of reality.
Plato's theory of knowledge also influenced later psychological thought. Psychologists have come to the conclusion that most human knowledge is implicit, which means that we don't need to be aware of what we know in order to act on it.
Plato also emphasized the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge for human happiness, which has influenced learning theory and current practice. Psychologists have shown that learning and education are crucial for human development and mental health.
In summary, Plato's Letters are an important literary work that has influenced subsequent psychological thought. Although he did not write directly on psychology, his theories on human nature, perception, and knowledge have influenced the theories and practice of psychology today. Plato's work remains relevant to modern psychological thought, and his legacy continues to influence the discipline of psychology today.
In this essay, Plato's Letters will be explored from a psychological perspective, his contribution to current psychological thought and how his work influenced the theories and practice of psychology will be analyzed.
Plato's Letters are a collection of letters that include real and imagined correspondence between Plato and other thinkers of the time. These letters deal with a variety of topics including politics, philosophy, religion, and education. Although the letters have not been proven authentic by many historians and philosophers, they are still considered important in understanding his philosophy and his contribution to psychology.
Although Plato did not write explicitly about psychology as a discipline, his work covered many topics related to the mind and human behavior. In the work Letters, you can find several ideas related to psychology, specifically in relation to nature, perception and human knowledge.
Plato wrote extensively about human nature and the way human beings interact with the world around them. In his letters, he emphasizes that human nature is fundamentally good and that evil is caused by ignorance or lack of knowledge.
From a psychological perspective, this relates to the concept of human nature as an enigma that psychologists try to figure out. Many current theories of human nature suggest that there is an ongoing tension between the good and evil aspects of the psyche, and that individuals must find a balance between these opposites to achieve happiness and well-being.
Plato held that perception is the source of all knowledge. In his letters, he references the theory of perception from his work The Republic, where he suggests that what we see through our eyes is only a blurry shadow of true reality. He believed that knowledge cannot be acquired through direct experience, but through an abstract idea.
In psychology, this concept is related to reality perception theory, which suggests that our perception of the world is influenced by our past experiences, emotions, and beliefs. Perception is a subjective construction that varies from person to person, which is why it is often difficult to arrive at an objective understanding of reality.
Plato believed that knowledge is fundamental to human happiness and that it can only be achieved through reflection and dialogue. Through his letters, he stresses the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge, and suggests that the ultimate goal of philosophy is to arrive at the truth.
In psychology, this concept is related to implicit knowledge, which is non-conscious knowledge that is acquired through experience and practice. The theory of implicit knowledge suggests that most human knowledge is implicit, which implies that we do not need to be aware of what we know in order to act on it.
In addition, this was one of the first Greek philosophers to address topics related to psychology in a meaningful way. Although he did not write directly on psychology, many of his ideas and theories influenced later psychological thought.
Plato's theory of perception influenced the theory of perception of reality in psychology, which has long been a topic of discussion and study. Modern psychologists have come to the conclusion that perception is a subjective construction that is influenced by our experience, so it is often difficult to come to an objective understanding of reality.
Plato's theory of knowledge also influenced later psychological thought. Psychologists have come to the conclusion that most human knowledge is implicit, which means that we don't need to be aware of what we know in order to act on it.
Plato also emphasized the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge for human happiness, which has influenced learning theory and current practice. Psychologists have shown that learning and education are crucial for human development and mental health.
In summary, Plato's Letters are an important literary work that has influenced subsequent psychological thought. Although he did not write directly on psychology, his theories on human nature, perception, and knowledge have influenced the theories and practice of psychology today. Plato's work remains relevant to modern psychological thought, and his legacy continues to influence the discipline of psychology today.
October 25, 2016
L’Académie de Platon a perduré un millénaire, et ses membres ont conservé avec zèle les écrits du maître, ce qui a aidé à la transmission complète jusqu’à nous de cette œuvre immense. Mais à coté des célèbres dialogues, dont Socrate, l’homme qui avait tant marqué le philosophe, est souvent un protagoniste et derrière lequel Platon s’efface, il existe un ensemble de lettres particulièrement éclairantes sur l’aventure Sicilienne. En effet, Platon fut très déçu par la tyrannie des trente à laquelle prirent part des membres de sa famille, et Athènes lui semblait trop corrompue par les excès de la démocratie pour tirer partie de ses idées politiques : la condamnation de Socrate l’avait terriblement choqué. C’est donc vers la Sicile, où à la différence du modèle des cités grecques, le tyran Denis était à la tête d’un royaume puissant, contre lequel l’expédition athénienne s’était soldé par un désastre, que les espoirs de Platon se sont tournés. L’un aspirait à réformer l’état en réformant le prince, l’autre souhaitait profiter de l’aura du philosophe. C’est cette contradiction qui rend Platon si amer et pessimiste dans sa correspondance, lorsqu’il constate l’impossibilité de rendre vertueux un homme sensuel, vain et paranoïaque. Rien ne lui fut épargné : il fut assigné à résidence, calomnié, vendu en tant qu’esclave. On complètera cette lecture par l’incontournable guerre du Péloponnèse de Thucydide, mais surtout par les vies de Dion, écrites par Plutarque et Cornélius Nepos.
October 11, 2021
There has been a fierce discussion within academia on the authenticity of Plato’s Letters and with good reason: if any of them are genuine then it would change the face of Plato scholarship.
For example, in Letter 2 there is a resounding statement: ‘The best precaution is not to write them down, but to commit them to memory; for it is impossible that things written down should not become known to others. This is why I have never written on these subjects. There is no writing of Plato’s, nor will there be; those that are now called so come from an idealised and youthful Socrates.’ If this is true then the division between Socrates and Plato becomes recognisable, it occurred in Syracuse when Plato had failed to achieve political change, and continued on in his Laws (which happens to be the only dialogue without Socrates). The earlier dialogues were not written by Plato, instead it was Socrates’ spirit in Plato’s pen. These avenues of thought are speculation as the Letters are still being debated today but here we can see alternative ways of understanding Platonic thought.
The “Plato” that writes here is older, wiser and pessimistic about the world. The Letters present a post-Republic Plato who is realising his own faults and is striving to develop upon the teachings of Socrates. There is a beautiful dramatic element here that can be enjoyed the work is authentic or nothing more than fan-fiction.
For example, in Letter 2 there is a resounding statement: ‘The best precaution is not to write them down, but to commit them to memory; for it is impossible that things written down should not become known to others. This is why I have never written on these subjects. There is no writing of Plato’s, nor will there be; those that are now called so come from an idealised and youthful Socrates.’ If this is true then the division between Socrates and Plato becomes recognisable, it occurred in Syracuse when Plato had failed to achieve political change, and continued on in his Laws (which happens to be the only dialogue without Socrates). The earlier dialogues were not written by Plato, instead it was Socrates’ spirit in Plato’s pen. These avenues of thought are speculation as the Letters are still being debated today but here we can see alternative ways of understanding Platonic thought.
The “Plato” that writes here is older, wiser and pessimistic about the world. The Letters present a post-Republic Plato who is realising his own faults and is striving to develop upon the teachings of Socrates. There is a beautiful dramatic element here that can be enjoyed the work is authentic or nothing more than fan-fiction.
September 12, 2020
Interesting book! I particularly loved Letter VII.
July 23, 2021
Dessa brev, vilka enligt forskningen till stora delar är författade av Platons olika lärjungar, beskriver Platons politiska och personliga engagemang i Syditalien, och främst då i Syrakusa. Det finns flera intressanta aspekter av dem: till att börja med är det mest "genuina" brevet präglat av en genuin tro, vilket skiljer sig från Platons andra, mer spekulativa skrifter. Det talar för renässanstolkningen av Platon. De mer betvivlade breven hedrar Platon även om de inte skrevs av honom; de prioriteringar som uppställs är intellektuellt rakryggade, och mer fokuserade på att hjälpa situationer än att hjälpa författarens ego. Jag tyckte helt enkelt om dem.
February 22, 2015
Plato's political and philosophical view on tyran Dionysius and abusement of power.
March 27, 2023
Plato's letters are fascinating documents with a fascinating history of scholarship behind their collection and interpretation. Since the nineteenth century, most scholars of Plato have decided them to be spurious fabrications. Since the 1970s, however, more and more scholars are beginning to take them seriously, especially those of the so-called "Tübingen School" of Platonic studies. Most of the letters are between Plato and various political leaders in Syracuse, Sicily. Plato had a hand in his later years in the politics of that city, especially his connection to the rule and philosophical education of Dionysius the Younger (son of tyrant Dionysius I) and to Plato's own friend Dion. The epistles present a more worldly Plato than one might glimpse in the dialogues, where Plato is ever absent. In these letters Plato discusses finances, farms, the education of his niece, and the many political machinations going on in Syracuse. They provide a fascinating window into the practical mind of Plato which was ready to apply his theoretical work in the political realm when possible. Epistle VII is especially interesting for the light it sheds on Plato's method. This is the most valuable and intriguing letter. Plato writes that, to obtain knowledge of something, one must have the 1) Name (identity) of the thing; 2) the definition of the thing; 3) an image, diagram, model of the thing. Then, this philosophical method allows us to arrive at, 4) the knowledge of something, but not to attain that actual something (5) itself. Read alongside the ideas of the 'divided line' of Republic and the division/definition portions of Sophist and Philebus, one gets a much fuller picture of Plato's method.
back-burner-reading
October 8, 2022This is an updated version of R. G. Bury's translation of Plato's letters in the Loeb (Harvard University Press). It is not bad, but not ideal.
What will, or should, be the definitive English translation of Plato’s letters, including his Seventh Letter, will be published in 2023 by translator and editor Ariel Helfer (Cornell University Press). Professor Helfer has been kind enough to forward an advance copy of his translation of the Seventh Letter to me (which, of course, I am not permitted to distribute), and it is excellent. Helfer follows the Straussian manner of translation, which is to be as literal as possible consistent with standard English style. His footnotes also provide important explanatory information regarding key Greek terms that he is translating.
What will, or should, be the definitive English translation of Plato’s letters, including his Seventh Letter, will be published in 2023 by translator and editor Ariel Helfer (Cornell University Press). Professor Helfer has been kind enough to forward an advance copy of his translation of the Seventh Letter to me (which, of course, I am not permitted to distribute), and it is excellent. Helfer follows the Straussian manner of translation, which is to be as literal as possible consistent with standard English style. His footnotes also provide important explanatory information regarding key Greek terms that he is translating.
May 19, 2024
Sabem quando não têm mais nada em mãos para ler a ponto de irem aos confins da vossa estante buscar aqueles livros que foram lá parar porque custavam 1€? Foi o que me aconteceu nesta semana, e vi-me a ir buscar estas Cartas, do Platão.
Curiosamente, não estava à espera que me entretivesse tanto. Tal como o título indica, são Cartas que o Platão enviou para diferentes pessoas, a relatar um pouco do que foi a relação de mentoria dele com Dionísio. Pronto, eu francamente não sei bem quem é essa pessoa nem o conflito geo-político que estava a acontecer. Ainda assim, achei as cartas curiosas e com alguns bons ensinamentos lá pelo meio, alguns que eu própria aplico na minha vida.
Foi engraçado. Felizmente já tenho outras leituras a que me dedicar.
Curiosamente, não estava à espera que me entretivesse tanto. Tal como o título indica, são Cartas que o Platão enviou para diferentes pessoas, a relatar um pouco do que foi a relação de mentoria dele com Dionísio. Pronto, eu francamente não sei bem quem é essa pessoa nem o conflito geo-político que estava a acontecer. Ainda assim, achei as cartas curiosas e com alguns bons ensinamentos lá pelo meio, alguns que eu própria aplico na minha vida.
Foi engraçado. Felizmente já tenho outras leituras a que me dedicar.
February 11, 2021
En estas cartas, se muestra a un Platón realista, en su vida cotidiana. Además expresa aquí Platón sus planes para instaurar un régimen legítimo en Siracusa, mientras usaba al tirano (con el título de dictador sería más entendible) Dionisio como renovador de las instituciones políticas de aquella isla.
He de decir que si bien es admirable ver a Platón en una faceta más íntima (habrá críticas que digan que no escribió él las cartas), a veces desmerece a su figura verlo quejarse con Dionisio y con sus amigos de sus achaques de edad y del fracaso de sus proyectos. Ha sido bueno leer este chisme milenario, pero considero que se podría uno pasar muy bien sin leer estas epístolas.
He de decir que si bien es admirable ver a Platón en una faceta más íntima (habrá críticas que digan que no escribió él las cartas), a veces desmerece a su figura verlo quejarse con Dionisio y con sus amigos de sus achaques de edad y del fracaso de sus proyectos. Ha sido bueno leer este chisme milenario, pero considero que se podría uno pasar muy bien sin leer estas epístolas.
April 25, 2023
From the Ninth Letter:
'It is indeed one of the sweetest things in life to follow one's own interests, especially when they are such as you have chosen; practically everyone would agree. But this also you must bear in mind, that none of us is born for himself alone; a part of our existence belongs to our country, a part to our parents, a part to our other friends, and a large part is given to the circumstances that command our lives. When our country calls us to public service it would, I think, be unnatural to refuse; especially since this means giving place to unworthy men, who enter public life for motives other than the best.'
'It is indeed one of the sweetest things in life to follow one's own interests, especially when they are such as you have chosen; practically everyone would agree. But this also you must bear in mind, that none of us is born for himself alone; a part of our existence belongs to our country, a part to our parents, a part to our other friends, and a large part is given to the circumstances that command our lives. When our country calls us to public service it would, I think, be unnatural to refuse; especially since this means giving place to unworthy men, who enter public life for motives other than the best.'
May 8, 2025
La digression philosophique de la lettre VII est excellente; on y voit la relation dialogique nécessaire entre apophatisme et cataphatisme. Le reste des lettres sont moins intéressantes au niveau philosophique.
September 26, 2019
Nice to know these exist. There's historical value to these, but there's nothing interesting about them especially given their questionable authenticity.
December 29, 2022
If only politicians today would live and work by the recommendations of Plato!
April 15, 2024
La mayoría de cartas o bien son falsas o bien no tienen interés, salvo un par de excepciones como la VII y la VIII que muchos tienen por ciertas.
July 23, 2011
Ce texte de Platon est intéressant et émouvant à plus d'un titre. Tout d'abord, c'est un rare moment où le plus célèbre des philosophes parle directement de sa vie et de son œuvre, sans se tapir derrière des dialogues Socratiques. Ensuite, il s'agit de commenter des événements de premiers plan d'un point de vue historique, à savoir la tentative ratée de Dion de prendre le pouvoir en Sicile, à la place du tyran Denys le jeune. Platon a été très impliqué dans cette affaire, à la fois comme ami de Dion, mais il a également fait plusieurs voyages à la cour de Denys pour tenter de lui faire embrasser la philosophie. Ce dernier n'a hélas que mal compris l'enseignement de Platon, et multiplia les injustices que sa position lui permettait de perpétrer sans trop d'inquiétudes, tout en voulant garder Platon en son pouvoir, étant réellement impressionné par le maître, et jaloux de Dion auquel il donnait la préférence. Platon, outré par le comportement du tyran, est donc très amer, et explique pourquoi il n'a jamais écrit sa doctrine que de manière voilée, par des dialogues dans le but que chacun retrouve par la réflexion les résultats où il était arrivé plutôt que d'apprendre par cœur mais sans les comprendre ni les appliquer un ensemble de préceptes. Si l'on songe à la liste des despotes qui se sont appuyés sur un livre ou une doctrine mal comprise, trahie et pervertie, pour justifier leurs méfaits et colorer de belle apparence leurs exactions, on comprend la prudence de Platon. Elle illustre une défiance par rapport au langage, à l'écrit, et une préférence marquée pour l'amitié sincère qui appuie la réflexion.
June 26, 2014
This L.A. Post translation is what I read, as it is reprinted in the Collected Dialogues of Plato, edited by Hamilton and Cairns. These letters of Plato, four of them considered spurious, are not very edifying, although they certainly contain the calm, patient, reasonable voice of Plato.
What they show is that even the greatest philosophical mind can get stuck in a nasty job situation with an abusive boss. Most of the letters pertain to Plato's relationship with Dionysius, the tyrant of Syracuse. The uncle of Dionysius had arranged to have Plato serve as a mentor to the young ruler, hoping to shape him into a philosopher-king, an enlightened leader as described in The Republic.
Instead Dionysius turned out to be a jerk, lying and cheating, reneging on promises, and keeping Plato virtually under house arrest. Plato escaped with his dignity, however it seems ironic that the intellectual master of his age could not prevail in what amounts to ordinary office politics. Machiavelli would have done better. But Plato writes about the episode with the detached equanimity of the true philosopher.
What they show is that even the greatest philosophical mind can get stuck in a nasty job situation with an abusive boss. Most of the letters pertain to Plato's relationship with Dionysius, the tyrant of Syracuse. The uncle of Dionysius had arranged to have Plato serve as a mentor to the young ruler, hoping to shape him into a philosopher-king, an enlightened leader as described in The Republic.
Instead Dionysius turned out to be a jerk, lying and cheating, reneging on promises, and keeping Plato virtually under house arrest. Plato escaped with his dignity, however it seems ironic that the intellectual master of his age could not prevail in what amounts to ordinary office politics. Machiavelli would have done better. But Plato writes about the episode with the detached equanimity of the true philosopher.
April 22, 2012
Post argues for the authenticity of most of the letters, including the enigmatic 'Letter II' where Plato denies all authorship due to his concern and fear regarding writing...
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January 17, 2016Recommended: Third, Seventh, Eighth, Eleventh, Thirteenth.
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